Old Pond publishing days

The Working Horse Manual 2nd edition book advance information

The Working Horse Manual 2nd edition, edited by Diana Zeuner. Paperback, 245 x 189 mm, 256 pages including approx. 260 photographs and line drawings. ISBN: 978-1-906853-42-6. In stock at Old Pond at £24.95.

First published in 1998, The Working Horse Manual has established itself as the bible for heavy horse owners and enthusiasts. This second edition has been heavily revised, the most substantial new material being on working horses in forestry, training horses and transport and the law.

The chapter headings are:

1. The modern draught horse in the UK: Shires, Clydesdale, Suffolk, Percheron, Ardennes, Comtois, lighter working types
2. Choosing and keeping a working horse
3. Veterinary care of the draught horse
4. Farriery for the working horse
5. Training for horsemen
6. Training your horse
7. Harness for the working horse
8. Working draught horses as singles and pairs
9. Ploughing
10. Horse-drawn machinery and equipment
11. Multiple hitches
12. Working horses in forestry
13. Selecting a show horse
14. Preparing and showing heavy horses
15. Plaiting a heavy horse for showing: Clydesdale, Shire, Suffolk, Percheron
16. Road driving
17. Caring for horse-drawn vehicles
18. Transport and the law.
Appendices: horse ploughing rules; heavy horse obstacle driving rules; timber snigging course; rules for heavy horse cross-country relay race and trials; guide notes for judging; addresses; glossary; index.

The manual has been collated and edited by Diana Zeuner, editor of Heavy Horse World, the only magazine in the UK devoted solely to draught horses.

Diana has been able to assemble a remarkable group of authoritative contributors: Carl Boyde, Matthew Bradley, Norma Bradley, Cate Brewster, Tom Brewster, Keith Chivers, Roger Clark, Keith Ellis (Inspector), Stephanie Evans, Mike Flood, Angela Gifford, Edward Hart, Mike Horler, Doug Joiner, Terry Keegan, Rowena McDermott, Geoff Morton, John Peacock, Charlie Pinney, Nick Rayner, Philip Ryder-Davis, Robert Sampson, John Ward, Nigel Westacott, Jane Wordsworth, John Zawadzki.

The book is highly illustrated with photographs and diagrams.

Old Pond also stocks a range of DVDs on the working horse. You will find these at the Horses and oxen section of our website.

Pea harvesting DVD now in stock

The Pea Files: harvesting the most easterly peas in Britain, the new DVD from Tractor Barn duo Steven Richmond and Jonathan Whitlam is now in stock at Old Pond at £16.95.

Tanzin and Xia - a story of two Suffolk Punches

For three years we have been sponsoring the filly Colony Tanzin (left) at the Suffolk Punch Trust, Hollesley Bay. We were really sad to learn that in July she died shortly after the birth of her first foal.

Fortunately, the young foal was fed with her mother's milk containing the colostrum vital to protect the new-born from infection.

The foal, named Xia, needs a foster mother until she can be weaned at six months. The brood mare chosen is Lilly - registered name Dream Flight - who is three-quarters thoroughbred and one-quarter Irish Draft.

Lilly, who has already fostered five foals, took to Xia almost immediately. They bonded well, as Suffolk Trust Head Groom Tracey Pettit confirms: "It's brilliant to see how Lilly has completely adopted the foal, who in turn is doing very well and is quite feisty!"

Our sponsorship is continuing with Xia (right, with Lilly). If you would like a very enjoyable few hours with the Trust at Hollesley Bay or to support them in some other way, you can find their details here.

 

The Tyneham Fordson Major and an NH BB9060 baler

On holiday in Dorset this week, walked along the coast from Lulworth Cove to Tyneham, the village 'adopted' by the military in 1943. The tenants were given a week to pack up and leave but were promised they would be allowed back once the war was over. Successive governments have reneged on this.

However, since the 1970s there has been an increase in access and moves to preserve the buildings. Most are roofless, like the gardener's house here. The church in the background is in good condition.

The farm outbuildings have been worked on to protect them and the implements that remain. The Fordson Major has a roof over its head.

In the well-preserved school building there is a map of the fields with their traditional names: Cowleaze, the Glebe, Starveall.

You can find details about Tyneham's opening times here.

Meanwhile, not far inland, west of the firing range and the clamour of Bestival, today's harvest was under way.

We watched the New Holland BB9060 Rotor Cutter making what looked to be heavy work big-baling straw, powered by an MF 7495.

 

Ax Men Season 3 in stock

Ax Men Season 3 - featuring killer bees and alligators - is now in stock at Old Pond at £19.95.